Six sigma: how IGW implements continuous improvement

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, companies are constantly striving to improve their processes, enhance customer satisfaction, and gain a competitive edge. The key to achieving these goals lies in embracing a culture of continuous improvement. By relentlessly seeking ways to optimize operations, reduce defects, and deliver exceptional value, organizations can unlock their true potential and pave the way for long-term success. That is where Six Sigma comes in!

Within the realm of continuous improvement methodologies, few approaches have garnered as much acclaim and proven effectiveness as Six Sigma. Rooted in statistical analysis and driven by a commitment to excellence, Six Sigma has revolutionized countless industries, propelling organizations to new heights of performance and profitability.

Why Six Sigma?

By adopting Six Sigma, IGW, and the entire BMT Group, are building a culture where decisions are based on data. Employees are empowered to take initiative, and teams are always looking for ways to improve.

This mindset encourages innovation, strengthens teamwork, and creates a shared focus on delivering real value to our customers. Six Sigma also gives everyone a common language and clear framework. It helps different departments and teams to stay aligned as they work toward the same goal: continuous improvement.

How does a Six Sigma training work?

At the heart of Six Sigma lies the DMAIC framework—a five-phase problem-solving methodology designed to improve processes systematically:

• Define: Clearly outline the problem, set the project goals, and understand customer expectations. This phase ensures that teams are aligned on what success looks like and why it matters.
• Measure: Collect relevant data and establish a baseline for current performance. Accurate measurement is essential to know where the process stands today—and how far it needs to go.
• Analyze: Dive into the data to uncover the root causes of inefficiencies or defects. This is where statistical tools and critical thinking come into play to separate symptoms from real problems.
• Improve: Develop, test, and implement targeted solutions that address those root causes. The goal is not just quick fixes but lasting change.
• Control: Put systems in place to sustain the gains. This often includes updated documentation, new KPIs, regular monitoring, and clear ownership.

Equally important is the cultural transformation it brings. Six Sigma encourages a way of thinking where continuous improvement becomes part of the company’s DNA. Everyone—from shop floor operators to senior leadership—is empowered to spot inefficiencies, suggest improvements, and take ownership of results.

That transformation is supported by structured training, strong leadership commitment, and cross-functional collaboration. Teams are formed not just to solve isolated problems, but to build long-term habits of working smarter, measuring what matters, and making decisions based on data—not assumptions.

When adopted fully, Six Sigma creates a culture where progress is intentional, improvement is constant, and excellence is everyone's responsibility.

Our approach

Our approach to Six Sigma is focused on empowering our engineers and providing them with the opportunity to excel in process improvement. We believe that every engineer who is interested should have the chance to obtain their Six Sigma Green Belt certification. This certification equips them with the fundamental knowledge and tools to identify and solve process-related challenges effectively.

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Once they have acquired their Green Belt, we encourage engineers to apply the Six Sigma principles and methodologies in their projects. We actively support their growth and offer them the opportunity to advance to the Black Belt level, where they can lead complex improvement initiatives and mentor others. We are proud to share that across our organization, a significant number of engineers have already undergone Six Sigma training, demonstrating our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and developing exceptional talent within our ranks.

In conclusion, Six Sigma is not merely a quality management approach; it is a powerful driver of organizational success. By integrating the DMAIC methodology and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, companies can achieve remarkable results, including increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction, and a sustainable competitive advantage. So, let us embark on this journey together, leveraging the power of Six Sigma to exceed expectations, surpass goals, and shape a future of excellence for our organization.